Nigeria + 3 more
Nigeria Food Security Outlook Update, February to September 2018
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Download document Outcomes in areas of northeast remain heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance
KEY MESSAGES
Boko Haram conflict has left approximately 1.8 million people displaced in northeastern Nigeria and has severely limited livelihoods options for many more. Although the area under military control has expanded in recent months, the number of conflict events has remained high, with 2017 registering the most fatal conflict events in Borno State since the beginning of the insurgency. The ongoing conflict is expected to severely limit area cultivated during the primary 2018 agricultural season.
Humanitarian agencies have provided sustained food assistance in the northeast and provided significant input support for 2018 dry season agricultural activities. Since March 2017, food assistance has reached 1.9 million people or more per month, including 2.3 million people reached in January 2018. However, surveys of displaced populations receiving assistance have indicated that food remains a primary need, highlighting the very limited livelihoods options and high dependence on humanitarian assistance.
In most of Borno State and parts of Adamawa and Yobe States, Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are ongoing. Areas surrounding the Sambisa Forest, as well as eastern Borno State and the area along Lake Chad, are likely to deteriorate to Emergency (IPC Phase 4) during the upcoming lean season, in the absence of further assistance. Significant areas within these regions remain inaccessible to humanitarian actors, and it is likely that outcomes are similar or worse than in adjoining accessible areas.
Outside of the northeast, most poor households have typical stocks of own-produced food, are engaged in normal livelihoods activities and are facing Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity. However, many areas are likely to deteriorate to Stressed (IPC Phase 2) during the lean season, due primarily to high food prices and conflict between pastoralists and farmers. The most-affected households in these areas are likely to face Crisis (IPC Phase 3).